AUDIO SLIDESHOW: Spreading God’s message in busy Quincy Square

The Rev. Mike Croft is a street preacher who likes to be called Pastor Mike, he recites passages from the Bible in his South Texas drawl and hands out pamphlets. His goal is to save souls and get bodies into Good Shepherd Baptist Church, which he runs out of his Quincy home.

Over the din of Quincy Square traffic, the Rev. Mike Croft is trying to get passersby to listen to the word of God. Sometimes he needs a bullhorn.

A street preacher who likes to be called Pastor Mike, he recites passages from the Bible in his South Texas drawl and hands out pamphlets. His goal is to save souls and get bodies into Good Shepherd Baptist Church, which he runs out of his West Quincy home.

The Rev. Croft, 60, has been an evangelist since he was ordained as a Baptist minister on the Texas Gulf Coast in 1987.

He’s been doing his sidewalk ministry for about a year.

On good days, a few of the people rushing across Hancock Street to get to the T station or to class at Quincy College stop and talk with him.

One young man on his way from meeting with his parole officer down the street at Quincy District Court stopped for a payer.

Placing a hand on the man’s shoulder, the Rev. Croft led him in prayer for salvation and invited him to Sunday services.

“If you don't know Jesus Christ, you will face eternity alone, he says.

As the man headed for the train, the Rev. Croft called after him, “Praise the lord, friend.”